Foxconn denies iPod factory claims

Apple's iPod manufacturing partner Foxconn Electronics has "sternly denied" a recent Mail on Sunday report into how the music players are made.

By
Jonny Evans
, | 19 Jun 06

Apple's iPod manufacturing partner Foxconn Electronics has "sternly denied" last week's Mail on Sunday report into how the music players are made.

Speaking to DigiTimes, Foxconn spokesman Edward Ding claimed that huge discrepancies exist between claims made in the report and the reality of working conditions at its Chinese iPod factory. He suggested the company may even take "legal action" over the report's claims.

The report had claimed that one factory in Longhua employs 200,000 workers, who work a 15 hour day for $50 per month. The report claimed workers lived in huge dormitories inside the plant which house 100 workers in each room. Ding responded that Foxconn only employs 160,000 people worldwide.

Ding also claimed his company abides by local Chinese employment regulations which demand its Chinese workers receive a minimum $101 per month inside China's economic zone.

He also described several company initiatives to improve the environment for its workers, including sports facilities, free laundries and more.

A second DigiTimes report explains that the Mail on Sunday incorrectly described one of the company's factories to be situated in Suzhou. "Foxconn does not have any production lines there," the report states.

Apple issued a statement following the Mail's publication of its report, saying: "Apple is committed to ensuring that working conditions in our supply chain are safe, workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible."

"Apple is currently investigating the allegations regarding working conditions in the iPod manufacturing plant in China," the company said, adding that: "It does not tolerate any violations of its supplier code of conduct, which is posted online".